Strictly Come Dancing’s musical director Dave Arch helps create the magic of the show every week as he leads the orchestra and singers.
The pianist, composer and conductor has been a part of the BBC programme since 2006, leading the in-house orchestra that provides the soundtracks for the iconic ballroom performances.
His career took off after studying at the esteemed Guildhall School of Music and Drama, later joining the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. He’s known for his jazz piano performances at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club alongside vocalist Madeline Bell.
As a pianist, he’s contributed to films such as The Imitation Game, Gravity, The Grand Budapest Hotel and Harry Potter.
In 2016, Dave, 61, released his debut album, Coming Home, and has recorded with superstar artists like Tina Turner, Elton John and Paul McCartney. Besides Strictly, he serves as the musical director for recent Royal Variety Performance productions and shows like Stepping Out and pop star to Operastar.
According to the Daily Mail, Dave was worth £2.5 million in 2016, with estimated yearly earnings of £300,000, reports OK!.
Off-screen, Dave maintains a low-profile personal life. It’s known that he’s married and has two sons and one daughter with his wife, residing in Hertfordshire.
Despite being happily married, there were rumours among Strictly fans that he was romantically involved with co-host Claudia Winkleman. However, they are simply long-time friends.
Claudia has been full of praise for Dave during live broadcasts, even describing him as “wonderful”. She remarked: “Our wonderful Dave Arch was honoured this week with a honorary degree from The Prestigious Skills Hall, which is absolutely extraordinary. So I think we should have a round of applause. We love him. Congratulations to Dave.”
In one memorable episode, Claudia and Dave had viewers in fits of laughter when they appeared dressed as a bride and groom. Claudia, 52, who is married to film producer Kris Thykier, also shared her “fantasy” dance on the show would be a “three-way” samba with Dave and Tess Daly.
When asked about her dream dance partners, she revealed: “An Argentine tango with Vincent Simone. But my main fantasy dance is a three-way samba with Tess and Dave Arch. I’m talking big feathered dresses and three of us doing samba rolls in unison. I’ll leave that image with you. Sorry if you feel nauseous.”
Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One on Saturdays and Sundays and on BBC iPlayer